easyJet, the British low-fares airlines, has launched its ‘Change for Good’ summer collection, which aims to raise vital funds for UNICEF, the world’s leading organisation for children, to fight polio.
For the next three months from June 29 until September 13, all passengers travelling with easyJet can donate their spare change and unwanted foreign currency to UNICEF in aiding its goal to eradicate polio globally. UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates for lasting change for children everywhere.
Joining UNICEF’s ‘Children in Danger Summer Disease Appeal’, Ade Adepitan, TV presenter, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist and UNICEF UK supporter, has extended his support for the programme.
Adepitan said: ‘As someone who contracted polio as a child, I understand first-hand how devastating this disease can be. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and contracted the disease at just 15 months old. It caused paralysis in the left side of my body and left me unable to use my left leg.
‘I am urging everyone who flies with easyJet over the summer to donate generously. By donating your change, in any currency, to UNICEF onboard a flight, you can help us keep more children safe from polio.’
Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s Chief Executive added: ‘We’re so grateful for Ade Adepitan’s support with our Change for Good summer collection for UNICEF. His story shows just how important it is to fight Polio, a devastating disease.
‘Our passengers have given so generously to date and we are sure that our campaign to help UNICEF vaccinate more children against polio will inspire them once again to donate to this really worthy cause.’
Even though there is no cure for polio, three doses of polio vaccine can give a lifetime of immunity, and it costs only 27p (EUR 33c) to protect a child forever, the airline said.
Since 2012, easyJet has helped UNICEF vaccinate two million children against polio. The airline supports a number of local charities and also has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised over £5m for the most vulnerable children.
